Tim Dobbins will get a second change to make a favorable impression as one of the Miami Dolphins’ starting inside linebackers.

Can Tim Dobbins repeat his impressive performance against Oakland?

With Channing Crowder sidelined by a left knee injury it appears Dobbins will be starting Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

Dobbins, who started last week in place of Karlos Dansby and contributed a team-high six tackles in less than two dozen snaps against the Raiders, will be making his second straight start, and fourth of the season.

“When I’m out there I’m trying to make the best of the opportunity and make plays,” said Dobbins, who has started 11 games in his four-year career.

The playing time he received earlier this year when Crowder was nursing a groin strain was somewhat unimpressive, but Dobbins thinks he’s fixed his issues.

“I was playing too tight. I was a little loose [against Oakland] and tried not to think too much,” said Dobbins, who has contributed 20 tackles and one sack this season in his reserve role.

Sunday’s game presents a huge challenge for Dobbins because the Dolphins will be taking on Cleveland’s Peyton Hillis, one of the more physical downhill runners in the NFL.

Hillis is the bell-cow for Cleveland’s offense. He’s 95 yards shy of reaching 1,000 rushing yards and has contributed 416 yards on 46 catches. He’s also responsible for 13 of Cleveland’s 24 touchdowns.

Because the Browns entire offense runs through him it’s going to be on Dobbins and Dansby to hunt Hillis down, and eventually take him down. The Dolphins have only held four of it’s opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards, but being stout against the run was the main reason Miami dominated Oakland in last Sunday’s 33-17 win.

“When you take that run away then they’ll have to throw the ball,” Dobbins said when aspect about the key to the defense’s success. “[Hillis] will be a good challenge because he’s a downhill runner and he’s gonna bring it. That’s what we’re going to try to do.

“He’s a low leverage guy who goes downhill. Not a lot of shifting so you’ve got to bring your A game, and bring the load with you.”

Comments (47 Comments)

I think he’s capable, although I would rather see Channing in there. Like him or not, the Run D has been tougher with Crowder than without him. He may not have the stats to back that up, but the team does, and I’ll take that 16/16 games per year.

I think Tim Dobbins has a boatload of potential. He didn’t get much of a shot (or playing time as a starter) on the Charge’s stellar D. He seems to bring a lot to the table. My only concern would be his communication skills in place of Channing.

I think the key to stopping Hillis will be in Dansby’s hands. He is really going to have to watch the offense and make adjustments prior to the snap. His knowledge is going to be key. Whether Dobbins is playing or not, it is on Dansby and his brain. I hope he did his film study this week. Is Crowder officially out of the game? Or is he just not starting? We could probably use his presence as well, even if limited….

“When you take that run away then they’ll have to throw the ball,” Dobbins said when aspect about the key to the defense’s success.

Wow, now that’s profound. “If it wasn’t for football, I wouldn’t be playing football today.” Ok, enough from our team’s philosophers. I’m more worried about Hillis catching passes out of the backfield than I am him running down our throats

Walker makes a good point. If he doesn’t get pushed off his route when he goes out for passes, he could do some damage. If we can interrupt his rhythm, it should create good opportunities for the backs and backers to pick off errant Delhomme passes.

Also key will be stopping the screen plays. We’ve gotten exposed more than once on those, and if we blow it against someone like Hillis, he’ll get an easy 15 yards every time.

I agree 100%. I think Fins put a complete game together and win in all phases, or at lesat come close on special teams (lol). Marshall has a big game, Ronnie has his best game of the year, and clemmons almost gets two picks.

I think this is the second straight game we put up 30+. I was counting on our first shut out of the season, but without Crowder in the lineup I’m nervous about Hillis going nuts on us. Hopefully Soliai brings his “A” game…according to Crowder he’s been tearing it up so let’s see. I just want a W to get this streak going!

This upcoming game seems pretty simple: Limit Hillis. If we do, we will win. Having Delhomme at QB should help us create turnovers. They can’t throw the ball. Cribbs isn’t fully healthy. So, the front 7/8 need to be physical. I think we have enough speed on offense to score points as well. Bess & Hartline & Fasano should have nice games. Prediction: MIA – 27, CLE – 13.

I biggest fear is that Cleveland takes a page out of the Ravens book and kill us with short passes to Hillis. Not so worried about his straight ahead running as much as running after the catch. Someone should be mirroring Hillis the entire game.

Bottom line is we usually beat up on teams with below average QBs. Delhome falls in that category. Look for Vontae to get a pick, Dansby to snag one, and Clemmons to drop two potential. We win 30-16 on a day filled with FGs and fist pumping.

Walker –
I googled it and didn’t come up with anything. Now it is going to drive me crazy trying to figure it out. You are the only other one I have ever heard (besides myself) that used that quote. It comes from back in the 80’s somewhere, but hell if I know where it came from!

I’m fine with Dobbins, if it’s the Dobbins we saw in the Raiders game, not the one who we saw earlier in the year. He clearly has gotten better and more comfortable in our scheme. It’s a shame about Channing. We are clearly a better D and team with him in there. Hopefully he can shake this injury thing that’s plagued him his entire career thus far.

I agree with many of you and definitely feel that the key to the game is MIA’s def line. They need to move the OL back and not let Hillis run stright ahead. if they get him moving side to side with his first steps I think they shut him down. If the defline does not control the line of scrimage I fear it will be a looooooong day.

NM,
I can’t remember the kid’s name but I think it was a post-game interview and he was dumb as a rock. It became an instant classic with us too but it was before the days where ESPN replayed every blunder or comment. Funny because you’re the only other person besides us that’s heard it

Stopping Czonka, er Hillis means meeting him at the line of scrimmage and holding the edge on the outside. Most of Hillis’s scores are when he gets the edge and builds up a head of steam. Dolphins best not take this Cleveland team as a patsy –their playing good hard football.

It is teams who have a good passing and running game that give us problems. Cleveland doesnt have much of a passing attack so we should limit their offense. At the same time I am not convinced we can put together back to back weeks of offensive output. The line is still banged up as is Henne. if we dont establish the run we will have our own problems scoring.

OMAR KELLY was unsuccessful at achieving his childhood dream to become a super hero, so he figured he'd do the next best thing and become a journalist who fights against injustice, and searches for truth. After being bored to death reporting news and covering politics, he switched to sports.
More

IZZY GOULD joined the Sun Sentinel in Feb. 2012 as a Senior Sports Reporter on the Miami Dolphins beat. He came to South Florida fresh off covering the University of Alabama football program, including its 2011 national championship team. More